Ford Ka Sedan - Possible Fiesta Classic Replacement in India

. This is a discussion on Ford Ka Sedan - Possible Fiesta Classic Replacement in India within Global Auto Sector. Part of The Auto Talk category; The Ford Ka, a small three door hatchback sold in Europe and South America is certainly in need of a ...

The Ford Ka, a small three door hatchback sold in Europe and South America is certainly in need of a replacement. Launched in 2008, the car is witnessing sales falling from a cliff in Europe with a 20% drop last year. There is skepticism about the car’s future as its too small for the current European taste. There is a high possibility of the Ka being replaced by the next gen Ford Figo which could be promoted to a global nameplate. Having said that, the Ka name could stay on in select markets.

The Ka for the European markets is heading towards a dead-end, the model would get a new lease of life in Brazil. According to the report, the Ka will undergo a thorough overhaul and will also spawn a sedan variant. The underpinnings would be the global Fiesta platform. The hatchback and sedan combo is a big trend in emerging markets like Brazil and India. The refurbished Ka will compete with the Chevrolet Onix and Hyundai HB20 while the sedan based on it would gun for the Chevrolet Prisma (Onix based sedan) and the Hyundai HB20S. These new cars will be made at Ford’s Brazilian plant in Camaçari which manufactures the EcoSport. Production is expected to start next year. The new hatchback and sedan duo could very well be the next gen Figo and the replacement for the aging Ford Classic respectively.

Looking at the current market scenario, I will not be surprised if Ford decides to bring a Figo sedan instead that too under sub four meter length to replace Classic.

Drive Safe,
350Z

Yes indeed. They will be analyzing the sub 4m market. But they have stated earlier that they will be bringing global products as per the "One FORD" strategy. But to be frank everything depends on the EcoSport Success. Their fate will be made clear tomorrow.

Ford India premiered the sub-4 meter Figo sedan concept a day prior to the Auto Expo last month. Simultaneously in Brazil, Ford unveiled a longer version of the sedan calling it the Ka sedan. The Ka sedan has commenced road trials in Brazil, ahead of a launch that could take place by the end of this year.

The Ka Sedan, hatchback and Figo sedan are essentially built on the same platform which is reported to be carried over from the previous generation Fiesta (Figo). Using higher strength and lighter steel structures, these cars will be lighter than their predecessors (the Ford Classic in case of the Figo sedan).

The cars have been designed and developed by Ford’s Brazilian arm who are also credited with the EcoSport project. Like the EcoSport, these cars will be powered by Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engines, however, for India, Ford will also offer diesel variants and naturally aspirated petrol variants.

In India, we expect the sub-4 meter Figo sedan to go on sale by early next year. Production of the car could take place at Ford’s upcoming factory in Sanand, Gujarat, which is set to commence operations by the end of this year.